Saturday, December 30, 2017

Video testimony posted on Facebook by local African-American community organizer alleging that the American Red Cross in Southeast Wisconsin Chapter had denied service to the Turner family after a three alarm fire engulfed their residence and destroyed everything.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

December 30, 2017

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Saturday, Tory Lowe, an African-American organizer in the Black community posted in his Facebook (FB) account a video alleging that the American Red Cross Southeast Wisconsin Chapter (ARCSWC) apparently denied service to the Latressa Turner family after their residence was engulfed on fire and destroyed everything they owned on December 28 in a three alarm fire. Lowe says that it was the same day that a ARCSWC policy was released to the public that ten Zip Codes in the City of Milwaukee will no longer receive on-site fire relief aid and assistance due to safety concerns of ARCSWC volunteers and workers. The Zip Code area affected is 53204, 53205, 53206, 53208, 53209, 53210, 53215, 53216, 53218 and 53233, according to a new policy announcement by Patty Flowers, the Regional CEO of the American Red Cross Southeast Wisconsin Chapter. The designated or redlined area that Flowers identified is located in the predominantly Black and Latino communities. Flowers told news media outlets that it was a safety concern, also to scale down in providing assistance, the staff and volunteers were tired and they were implementing the new policy in the mention area, which by just identifying the ten Zip Code area would definitely indicate a racially driven bias decision instead of including all areas in the State of Wisconsin in the policy. Victims of fire destruction of property and disasters in the inner city will now be provided a card by the Milwaukee Fire Department to call and make arrangements with a ARCSWC volunteer so, the volunteer can meet victims at the nearest police district station or go the ARCSWC headquarters location at the 2600 block of W. Wisconsin Ave. in Milwaukee.

On December 28, the Turner's family residence caught fire and destroyed the home and everything they owned. Turner and her sister Latoya Lewis went to the 5th Milwaukee Police District Station and waited between one hour to several hours for ARCSWC volunteer to showed up, which no one from the local Red Cross arrived to meet with them. So, the family went to the ARCSWC headquarters on Wisconsin Ave. and were denied service, according to testimony by the Turner. Turner has an 18-month-old child. Both Turner and Lewis say that the Red Cross denied them service due to the color of their skin and were treated unfairly, according to their testimony in the Lowe FB posted video. The person at the ARCSWC referred them to another location of a group or organization to seek help.

Friday, December 29, 2017

Cosimano, the President of the 69'ers Motorcycle Club has been charged with the premeditated cold blooded murder of Anderson, an Outlaws M.C. President while he sat in his truck in Odessa.

By H. Nelson GoodsonHispanic News Network U.S.A.

December 29, 2017

Odessa, Florida - The Pasco County Sheriff's Office has booked Christopher "Durty" Brian Cosimano, 29, of Riverview, the President of the 69'ers Motorcycle Club (M.C.) and Michael "Pumpkin" Dominick Mencher, 51, of Riverview and Allan "Bee Bee" Burt Guinto, 26, of Brandon, who are also members of the 69'ers M.C. with one felony count each for premeditated murder/homicide in the cold blooded shooting death of Paul Quincy Anderson, 44, of New Port Richey, the President of the Cross Bayou Chapter of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club in Pasco County. The three murder suspects are being held without bail and if convicted, Cosimano. Mencher and Guinto are facing the death penalty or life in prison for Anderson's homicide.The criminal complaint says that both Cosimano and Mencher arrived in motorcycles at the location where Anderson was parked with his truck. Cosimano went up to Anderson's truck, which was parked on State Road 54 and Suncoast Parkway and tapped on the window and fired several shots at the victim. Mencher accompanied Cosimano and was nearby, he was the one in charge to finish off Anderson, if Cosimano failed to kill Anderson on the spot and the third suspect, Guinto was considered the scout in a vehicle who watched for police.A nearby video camera surveillance captured the suspects at the scene where the shooting occurred, according to the criminal complaint.The M.C.s had a history of feuding and members of the Outlaws had assaulted Guinto at a local bar and police reports indicated that 69'ers members riding their motorcycles on the road were targeted by members of the Outlaws who tried to run them off the road in prior incidents, Sheriff Chris Nocco, from the Pasco County Sheriff's Office reported.

Thursday, December 28, 2017

Lack of diversity training and employees of color in the Wisconsin Red Cross, especially in the Milwaukee area could be a contributing factor and not safety that resulted in redlining the Black and Latino predominantly community areas from providing on-site fire, disaster relief and assistance.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

December 28, 2017

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - The American Red Cross Southeast Wisconsin Chapter (ARCSWC) just redlined ten Milwaukee area Zip Codes, 53204, 53205, 53206, 53208, 53209, 53210, 53215, 53216, 53218 and 53233, according to a new policy announcement by Patty Flowers, the Regional CEO of the American Red Cross of Wisconsin, TMJ4 dot com reported. Flowers says, that the Milwaukee Fire Department members will be able to provide victims of a fire in Zip Codes mentioned with a card to contact a Red Cross volunteer to apply for aid and then the volunteer would arrange to meet the victim at a local police station or at Red Cross headquarters for face to face contact instead at on-site fire incidents as a safety measure for the volunteer. If a victim needs a ride to meet a Red Cross volunteer, the Red Cross has made arrangements with local taxi cab services to transport the victims free of charge to meet a Red Cross volunteer or to apply for aid, according to Flowers.

The ARCSWC offices are located at the 2600 block of W. Wisconsin Ave. in Milwaukee where the surrounding neighborhood is predominantly African-American. Will Flowers now decide to move the headquarters, since safety has become a factor for implementing the new redlining policy and move it to a White predominantly suburb?

Milwaukee Alderman Robert "Bob" Donovan released the following statement on his Facebook (FB) account and blamed criminals, Mayor Tom Barrett, Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn and Milwaukee County District Attorney John T. Chisholm for their failed strategies and policies in dealing with crime.

Ald. Donovan's FB statement, "The Red Cross serves in war torn countries such as Iraq, Bosnia, Somalia, Chechnya and Afghanistan—but out of concern for its volunteers' safety, the Red Cross will no longer serve a large part of the City of Milwaukee when it comes to on-site fire and disaster relief and assistance!"

"The American Red Cross Southeast Wisconsin Chapter's decision not to enter ten City of Milwaukee Zip Codes is a clear and appalling indication of the FAILED public safety strategies of the Barrett and Flynn administration as well as the weak, mollycoddling policies of DA Chisholm's office towards reckless, violent criminals!"

What Donovan failed to understand is, why the Red Cross actually goes into war torn ridden countries and recently to Puerto Rico's rural areas where it was more dangerous to the safety of the Red Cross staff and volunteers due to lawless areas then the Milwaukee predominantly Black and Latino communities?

There has been no Milwaukee police report that any Red Cross volunteer who are mostly White volunteers and many come from the suburbs including Milwaukee have become victims of any crime in the predominantly Black and Latino communities. The Red Cross of Wisconsin and the ARCSWC need to revise their policies and include diversity training and adding Red Cross employees of color including management since, the Black and Latino communities due generate funds and donate to the Red Cross itself. If the Red Cross continues to redline inner city communities then these very communities including surrounding communities should begin to redline the Red Cross itself and begin to boycott it.

The American Red Cross Southeast Chapter serves communities across the following counties: Dodge, Washington, Ozaukee, Waukesha, Milwaukee, Walworth, Racine and Kenosha, according to its website.

The Board of Directors of the American Red Cross Southeast Wisconsin Chapter

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

The City of Milwaukee Election Commission has confirmed that Carmen C. Cabrera, a long time community activist has been appointed as Election Commissioner.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

December 27, 2017

Milwaukee, WI - On Wednesday, Neil V. Albrecht, the Director for the City of Milwaukee Election Commission confirmed that Carmen C. Cabrera, a Democrat was appointed by Mayor Tom Barrett as the first Latina Election Commissioner in Milwaukee's history. Cabrera is well known for her community activism and was instrumental along with 500 other educational activists in the 1970's to break down the wall of discrimination in many areas including at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where on August 27, 1970, members of the Latino community took over the chancellor's office seeking education opportunities for Latinos. In 1970, UW-Milwaukee only had about 14 Latino students compared to 25,000 White students and discrimination that kept Latinos from enrolling was the norm. Cabrera, of Puerto Rican decent was instrumental in bridging a network between the Puerto Rican and Mexican community to work together and her activisim along with other activists in both communities including the undocumented community in the 1970's led to changes in education policies and other successful strives and opportunities for Latinos in the Milwaukee and the State of Wisconsin.

Two other Board of Election Commissioners were confirmed as well on Wednesday and they are Stephenie D. Findley, Chair, Democrat and Robert F. Spindell Jr., a Republican.

The terms for Cabrera, Findley and Spindell Jr. run from July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2021, according to Albrecht. The Board of Election Commission website in the City of Milwaukee was updated this week to reflect the current Commissioners.

Tuesday, December 26, 2017

An email that was released several days before the 2012 Milwaukee County 12th District Supervisor election in 2012 has resurfaced where Supervisor West gave her opinion about 2 majority Latino districts and has never been addressed by West until today.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

December 26, 2017

Milwaukee, WI - On Monday, Milwaukee County Supervisor Peggy West responded to an email currently circulating in Facebook that was released several days before the 2012 County Board elections sent to Harold Mester, the Public Information Manager from Milwaukee County expressing her concerns and opinion about 2 majority Latino districts involving the 12th and 4th Supervisor Districts before the 2012 elections. Supervisor West posted multiple comments concerning the email in Robert Miranda's Facebook account on Monday.

On Friday, Supervisor West released the following statement to Miranda who is backing her re-election and was sent to Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA).

Peggy West response: "Well its true? The 2nd Latino influence district we have now is Weisgan's district. Again a Latino has never run for that seat so they are making it seem like Marina & I "fixed" the map to keep our seats. We had nothing to do with the map. Again, we added a 2nd influence district which has not affected representation so how am I suppressing that?"

The following statements were posted on Miranda's post comment thread.

Peggy West comments on Robert Miranda''s post thread dated 12/25/2017

"We have not 1, but 2 Latino Majority/influence districts by the next redistricting, we could add another. I am not understanding the confusion of my support for them? There were multiple maps to vote on & we created one with a Hispanic majority(12) & a Hispanic Influence( Marina Dimitrijevic) in fact the amendment that created those districts, I authored with Marina after the original information we received saying that Marina's district could not be an influence district based on voting age was proved false. I don't recall anyone asking for anything more than that? Why are we not discussing how we could have 1 majority & 2 influence at the city level but the Alderman representing those districts did not support it & its never been brought up again? Why aren't we still discussing this in 2018?"

"Well that I understand and I'm more confused now because Marina Dimitrijevic and I authored the amendment for the Hispanic Majority districts together & she's been a champion of the Hispanic Community(which I agree she has) but I have not been? Which I will need an explanation on. It also states I lost supporters in 2011 over this yet I was endorsed by both Voces de la Frontera & Citizen Action in the 2012 elections?"

"Always have been opposed to Voter ID, co-sponsored free birth certificates to assist people getting an ID to go vote. Further more, its a revelation that Mrs. Ortiz-Velez provided the "smoking gun" because according to "the Hispanic Conservative" it was Joe Sanfelippo. Sanfelippo received the same information that we did the difference is Marina & I did an amendment to create those districts. The information we got from STAFF told us that we were NOT given correct information originally but AGAIN, we corrected it. This is not the first time in County Gov't that staff has made a mistake but has come back to help correct it. The Co. Exec. Staff does it every year in the budget."

"The email to Harold Mester you are referring to expresses my confusion as to why we are still discussing Latino Majority districts when we PASSED an amendment to have them again after being provided the proper information. I was never against them, I was informed as was Marina, incorrectly that it could not be done, once we knew it could be, it was. I don't understand how that is seen as opposition? By anyone?"

In April 2011, nearly 5,000 in Latino population were removed from the 4th Supervisor County District and moved to the 12th Supervisor District, and a ward with 5,000 Whites were moved into the 4th District from the Milwaukee downtown area. The move circumvented the original district map that was being proposed by community redistricting concerned citizens and Sylvia Ortiz-Velez who was monitoring the redistricting process noticed the change. Ortiz-Velez has declared to be a candidate in the 12th Supervisor District, which would be her second time to challenge West for the seat. Supervisor West has also filed a declaration of candidacy for re-election. HNNUSA in 2011 contacted Ortiz-Velez about the redistricting issue and what the Milwaukee County Redistricting Committee (MCRC) intended to do. Ortiz-Velez provided stats and information to HNNUSA showing that the MCRC, which Supervisor West was a member had moved removed nearly 5,000 Latinos from the 4th District and added 5,000 Whites to the 4th District. Today, West hasn't been able to explain why in 2011, nearly 5,000 Latinos were removed from the 4th District and replaced by 5,000 Whites.

Once the HNNUSA article on June 2011 was published to expose the reduction of Latino population in the 4th District, it created public pressure to fix it and to add Latinos instead of removing them from the 4th District. The MCRC had no choice, but to redo the redistricting that assure a portion of Latinos remained in the 4th District and the redistricting plan was later approved by the MCRC and the County Board of Supervisors.

The redistricting issue and majority Latino districts could resurface again, if the U.S. Supreme Court decides on the Republican Gerrymandering case and could affect Wisconsin redistricting. The Latino community needs public elected officials that support majority Latino voting districts to ensure voter empowerment.

Sylvia Ortiz-Velez responded to Robert Miranda's post on 12/25/2017 and posted the following comments.

"Robert, I am suprised that with your long career as a writer and editor of the Spanish Journal, that you shared a post by Mr. Abel Ortiz, that is inaccurate. Just in case you overlooked your investigative tools, I want you to know that, I have only ran once, five years ago. One of the concern by many, is that Mrs. West did not support Two Hispanic Majority Districts at the County. Let's be fair, since you posted Aaron article, it even states that, seems like you are cherry picking. What the article doesn't reveal is that, I am the reason why we have two hispanic majority seats. I have never taken credit for it until now. Also I support two legislative assembly districts, as well, that are hispanic voting age majority, which is stated in the article, which I am sure you can agree. I also worked very hard to ensure two hispanic majority seats at the Common Council, which I gave public testimony in. I am against the current Republican Voter I.d. bill because it promotes voter suppression, as filed in a recent lawsuit, because citizens without proper documentation are not allowed to vote. As you know Robert only U.S. citizens, by federal law, are allowed to vote."

"I am the one who found the redistricting data in June or July of 2011, ie the smoking gun, while researching. I thought long and hard for three days. What to do. I knew that if I brought it up, people might make it a political football and our community would not get the second majority seat. So, I handed the information off, put my community first, and took no credit for finding it, Once the data and the action was exposed it forced the committee and board to go back and redistrict and we got the second Majority seat. Thanks to me now reporters, and groups of Latinos, now had the data, which forced the board to fix it or face a lawsuit. To give some background, this email was found 2 or 3 days before, the election in 2012. Many people supporting Mrs. West, were upset and felt betrayed. All the while Mrs. West assured many people that she indeed was fighting for our community in 2011 when the redistricting occurred. . Once again, having a hispanic, majority seat ensures more voter participation and that whomever is in the seat, that they will champion, issues important to us, which Marina has done. I am grateful to her for that. I can substaintiate everything I have stated here."

Sunday, December 24, 2017

President of the 69'ers Motorcycle Club allegedly murdered in cold blood an Outlaws M.C. president while he sat in his truck.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

December 24, 2017

Odessa, Florida - On Friday, the Pasco County Sheriff's Office reported that Christopher "Durty" Brian Cosimano, 29, the President of the 69'ers Motorcycle Club (M.C.) had been taken into custody in connection with Friday's fatal shooting of Paul Quincy Anderson, 44, of New Port Richey, the President of the Cross Bayou Chapter of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club in Pasco County. Cosimano allegedly shot and killed Anderson, according to Chris Nocco, the Pasco County Sheriff. Also taken into custody and facing 1st-degree homicide charges with Cosimano are Michael "Pumpkin" Dominick Mencher, 51, of Tampa and Allen "Bee Bee" Burt Guinto, 26, who are both members of the 69'ers M.C.

Sheriff Nocco says that both Cosimano and Mencher arrived at the location in motorcycles where Anderson was seen at. Cosimano went up to Anderson's truck, which was parked on State Road 54 and Suncoast Parkway and tapped on the window and fired several shots at the victim. Mencher was the one in charge to finish off Anderson, if Cosimano failed to kill Anderson and the third suspect was considered the scout in a vehicle, according to Sheriff Nocco.

A nearby video camera surveillance captured the suspects at the scene where the shooting occurred, according to Nocco.

Sheriff Nocco says, that the M.C.s had been feuding and members of the Outlaws had assaulted Guinto at a local bar and police reports indicate that 69'ers members riding their motorcycles were targeted by members of the Outlaws who tried to run them off the road in prior incidents.

Sheriff Nocco expects for the Outlaws to retaliate against members of the 69'ers and warns people in the area to be on the look out for motorcycles with out of state license plates.

Saturday, December 23, 2017

Harris had fled from Milwaukee shortly after striking Tyler, a crossing guard with his vehicle in a hit-and-run crash, which the victim later died due to the injuries.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

December 23, 2017

Milwaukee, WI - The Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) reported that a 35-year-old male suspect wanted for the hit-and-run crash in November had been taken into custody in California. Police identified the suspect as Terrence E. Harris, 35, from Milwaukee. Harris was arrested on December 21st by the Lodi Police Department in California and is being processed for extradition to face several felony charges for hit-and-run involving death (if convicted, Harris is facing 25 years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines) and knowingly operating a vehicle while license revoked causing death (suspect is facing 6 years in prison and up to $10 000 in fines, if convicted).

According to Milwaukee Police, detectives conducted an extensive investigation into the hit-and-run crash on November 10th at the 7200 block of W. Carmen Ave. causing the death of Andrew Tyler, 71, who died on December 7th from his injuries. The vehicle that Harris was driving sped away from the crash scene, a nearby security surveillance video camera recorded. Tyler had been a crossing guard for 9 years. The Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office issued charges and a warrant in the case on December 21.

Based on the investigation, MPD investigators requested the assistance of the Lodi Police Department in CA in locating Harris. He was arrested on December 21st around 1:30 p.m. in Lodi by their officers. The MPD initiated an extradition process for Harris to be returned to Wisconsin and face charges, MPD reported.

Thursday, December 21, 2017

The Milwaukee Police Department notified the Fire and Police Commission that it will expand the FBI/Police Gang Task Enforcement unit to the 2nd Milwaukee Police District Station to deal with the high volume of reported crime.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

December 21, 2017

Milwaukee, WI - On Thursday, Milwaukee Assistant Police Chief James Harpole notified the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission (F&PC) that the FBI/Police Gang Task Force Enforcement unit will be housed at the 2nd Milwaukee Police District Station and is being funded by the FBI. Two detectives, two police officers and several Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents will manage the gang task force. The gang unit will concentrate on hot spots where crime is on the increase, especially where gambling, solicitation and drug dealings has been reported. Two drug dealing hots were identified by the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD), area 1 is located from W. National Ave. to W. Burnham St. between S. 15th St. to S. 29th St.; area 2 is located from W. Lincoln Ave. to W. Harrison Ave. between S. 8th St. to S. 12th St.

The soliciting hot spot area was identified by MPD from W. National Ave. to W. Mitchell St. between S. 17th St. to S. 28th St.

In 2015, an FBI statistic report indicated that the "LGN" route or W. Lincoln Ave., W. Greenfield Ave. and W. National Ave. corridor strips in Milwaukee's Southside were known nationally as a human trafficking area.

Those police officers assigned to the gang unit will receive at least $18,000 in overtime pay each for investigations and officers will drive federal vehicles as well. The gang unit will remain at the District 2 until crime is diminished, according to Harpole.

Assist. Chief Harpole testified at the hearing that this year alone in District 2, homicides increased by 36%, this time last year 11 homicides were reported and so far, 15 homicides were reported this year in District 2. Non-fatal shootings in 2017 increased by 69%, this time last year 55 victims were injured compared to 96 victims this year related to robbery and drugs, also aggravated assaults increased 22% compared to last year.

MPD also reported that in Wisconsin Opioid overdose deaths total 827 in 2016 compared to 2017, as of December 14, 357 deaths were contributed to overdose of drugs County-wide, which 302 deaths were opiate-related. The Milwaukee County Medical Examiners Office reported that 80 - 90% of County drug overdose deaths are a result of opioids.

In the City of Milwaukee, as of November 30, 2017 about 191 opioid deaths were reported with another 60 deaths under investigation pending confirmation that are most likely opioid related compared to 191 opioid deaths reported in 2016, 152 in 2015, 118 in 2014 and 94 opioid deaths in 2013.

Between 2013 to 2016 of opioid deaths in the City of Milwaukee, 58% were White, 32% were Black, 3% were Hispanic and 2% were classified as other, and 63% were male and 37% were female victims, according to the MPD report.

This year the opioid overdose deaths surpassed the homicide rate of 108 victims and traffic related deaths of 58, up to November 30.

MPD has assigned 16 police officers, detectives including supervisors to the Opioid Task Force (OTF) to investigate deaths and to identify those responsible (suppliers) for selling drugs to victims of addiction resulting in deaths related opiate cases for prosecution. The OTF will also work to arrest drug dealers before they cause more opiate deaths.

The F&PC tabled the MPD Standard Operating Procedure #910 (MDPSOP) Civil Disturbance and Crowd Management until the City Attorney provides an opinion to make sure the policy doesn't violate any civil rights of citizens. The MPDSOP 910 policy provides guidelines for police officers to follow during a perceived riot to maintain crowd control and the peace. A copy of the #910 proposed policy was released, but most of the text was redacted, so a request was made by one member of the F&PC for MPD to make it public without being redacted for the public to review it and have some input in a community hearing setting before the Commission approves the measure.

MPD began a Traffic Enforcement Surge on October 16, 2017 and will continue to January 1, 2018 resulting in the identification of 50 locations in the City where high crime and crashes intersect. Many of the crashes involved juveniles and young adult chronic offenders with stolen vehicles. Police officers have cited offenders for speeding, reckless driving, red light violations and failing to yield to pedestrians.

• Traffic stops in the City by police have increased by 56% with a 111% citation result, which has decreased crashes by 12% in Data-Driven Approaches to Crime and Traffic Safety areas (DDACTS).
Between October 16 to December 16, 2017, in DDACTS areas traffic stops increased by 136% with 10,733 citations issued, a 885% increase compared to 2016 same time with 1,090 citations issued, which decreased non-fatal shootings, robbery and motor vehicle thefts by 15% in 2017.

Monday, December 18, 2017

Cuevas-Quiles ignited a controversy over a LAMA corporation name takeover by registering the Latin American Motorcycle Association LAMA name as his own with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

December 18, 2017

Clermont, Florida - On Monday, Nicasio Cuevas-Quiles III, 43, aka, "Nic Jones, Nic Yoda, Quil de Nic" the current President of the Latin American Motorcycle Association Nomads (LAMA-Nomads) couldn't explain why his motorcycle group is not actually registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the State of Florida as a Trademark corporation, according to state records. The USPTO has posted on TSDR check that on December 12, 2017, Attorney Eduardo E. Drake from Fantastic IP Consulting, LLC, Minneapolis, Minnesota who was representing Quiles in the TM filing had withdrawn from the filing due to lack of communication with his client (U.S. Serial # 87498322) for request to Trademark "Latin American Motorcycle Association LAMA". Quiles filing on June 20, 2017 is still active, but remains under examination with a "non-final Office action" by USPTO.
Which actually means that Quiles doesn't have the exclusive for the LAMA Trademark yet, which he has implied to have, according to the USPTO records filing.
Last Friday, Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) broke the story about Quiles and the LAMA-Nomads controversy, which drew condemnation by multiple members from chapters in Florida, Wisconsin, Illinois, New Jersey and around the nation including from other countries that are part of the original Latin American Motorcycle Association (LAMA) based in Chicago that was established in 1977 by Mario Nieves. Apparently, LAMA National (Corporation) from Chicago failed to renew their Trademark with the USPTO and Quiles, a former member of LAMA took it upon himself to take the name of LAMA and registered it as his own. Quiles hasn't been able to explain why he decided to "steal" the name as some members of the original LAMA have allegedly claimed on Facebook posted comments between Quiles, his group and LAMA members.

The LAMA National in Chicago hasn't yet responded to an inquiry by HNNUSA and hasn't released any information about the current controversy between Quiles and them. HNNUSA has learned that Quiles did in fact filed to register the LAMA name in June 2017 as his own and does claim he owns the TM right to use it, which is still under examination by the USPTO, but he failed to also file a Trademark for his own group as LAMA-Nomads with the USPTO.

Quiles is operating an internet website as LAMA-Nomads and recruiting, he also has a Facebook account page with the same name, but his motorcycle group under that name is not registered with the USPTO or the State of Florida today.

Friday, December 15, 2017

Name and logo infringement of colors taken seriously by motorcycle groups and riding groups in the U.S.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

December 15, 2017

Clermont, Florida - Last August, Nicasio Cuevas Quiles III, aka, "Nic Jones, Nic Yoda, Quil de Nic" was one of a few motorcycle enthusiasts that decided to create a motorcycle group named Latin American Motorcycle Association Nomads (LAMA-Nomads) in Clermont. Quiles is the current President of the LAMA-Nomads. But, the creation of LAMA-Nomads in Florida quickly drew criticism by Florida chapters associated with the actual Latin American Motorcycle Association (LAMA), which originated about 40 years ago in Chicago, whose founder is Mario Nieves and has chapters in multiple U.S. states, other countries and Puerto Rico. Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) attempted to contact Quiles and Elio Cruz from the LAMA-Nomads concerning the allegations raised by the original LAMA chapter members that LAMA-Nomads had decided to use LAMA's name without authorization and had also used the name of the Nomads, which another Motorcycle Club exists including adding a skull and ring around their Colors (LAMA-Nomads vest logo) similar to the Barrio Riders from Chicago.
Lou Pagan, a LAMA member in Florida posted a FB video connecting the LAMA-Nomads Colors to three groups, the original LAMA from Chicago, Nomads M.C. and Barrio Riders and asked Quiles why did he do it. Pagan later removed the video from his FB account.
The LAMA-Nomads attempt to portray their motorcycle group as authentic, but lack any originality, maybe because Quiles was a former member of LAMA and couldn't let go as a member and continues to use the LAMA name for credibility. Cruz posted on his Facebook (FB) page that their LAMA-Nomads name has been registered and even have an Internet domain with the name of LAMA and had filed lawsuits concerning the use of LAMA. HNNUSA has attempted to contact Cruz about the lawsuits, but no response has been made so far. Quiles has been also contacted as well, but no response has been made by him concerning the LAMA-Nomads and the allegations made that they copied and used other groups, clubs or association logos.

Quiles and members of LAMA-Nomads posed for a photo showing their LAMA-Nomads in front of home at the 9500 block of Royal Vista Ave. in Clermont where they allegedly operate their motorcyle group from and posted the photo in the LAMA-Nomads FB page.

HNNUSA has also attempted to contact Marcos Rodriguez, the President and David Soto, the Vice-President of LAMA National from Chicago, but no response has been received about their options concerning the association's name infringement by Quiles and his LAMA-Nomads members.

A Weebly dot com web page was setup targeting Quiles by an anonymous source that mentioned that his former employees were seeking compensation from work done, but were never paid. Quiles did respond to the Weebly page about him and stated, "I wish to correct your article one last time related to Milwaukee County case “Mind Mill Creative LLC v. Haban, et al” in which our organization initiated the actions against former staff for, but not limited to, breach of contract, theft/conversion, violations of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act and the recent decision by the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) to close their investigation into the baseless claims as to non payment of wages in favor of our organization."
Quiles posted an official and unofficial statements on the LAMA-Nomads comments FB page regarding his group and HNNUSA's inquiry post about the group's decision to use the name LAMA is also posted.
Quiles TM registered Latin American Motorcycle Association L.A.M.A. on June 20, 2017 and then the name was TM registered by LAMA Corporation from Chicago on August 9, 2017. The TM for LAMA Corp. had expired on August 9, 2013, then LAMA was reactivated in July 28, 2015 and expired on March 13, 2017. Quiles didn't include Nomads in the TM filing, according to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
The USPTO has posted on TSDR check that on December 12, 2017, Attorney Eduardo E. Drake from Fantastic IP Consulting, LLC, Minneapolis, Minnesota who was representing Quiles in the TM filing had withdrawn from the filing due to lack of communication with client (U.S. Serial # 87498322) for request to Trademark "Latin American Motorcycle Association LAMA". Quiles filing on June 20, 2017 is still active, but remains under examination with a "non-final Office action" by USPTO.
Which actually means that Quiles doesn't have the exclusive for the LAMA Trademark yet, which he has implied to have, according to the USPTO records filing.
Quiles hasn't TM registered the LAMA-Nomads in the State of Florida yet, according to Corporation state records.

Would it be OK for new motorcycle groups (NMG) to use and mimic Colors from other clubs, associations and independent riding groups?

Will it ignite controversy between original M.C.'s, Associations and independent riding groups with wannabes that copy, infringe on names and then TM register the name as their own?
How many M.C.s, Associations and independent riding groups actually have their Colors, logos and names TM registered, so former members and others don't take the name of a club?

Thursday, December 14, 2017

La GordiLoca before turning herself into the Laredo Police Department for several warrants claimed that she was being targeted for Facebook live streaming news of police accident investigations.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

December 14, 2017

Laredo, Texas - On Wednesday, Priscilla Villarreal Treviño, 32, aka, "La GordiLoca" turned herself to the Laredo Police Department for two outstanding warrants for using official police information without authorization, which Villarreal Treviño claims was for simply live streaming of accidents and incident investigations by police on Facebook. Villarreal Treviño was released on bond after she was charged with two felony counts for misuse of official information, a 3rd-degree felony, if convicted she could face up to 10 years in prison for each count and $10,000 in fines.

According to the Laredo Police Department (LPD) complaint, Villarreal Treviño allegedly used official information not yet released to report on her Facebook news page called La GordiLoca News Laredo TX and profited from it affecting such investigations.
The LPD would have to prove that Villarreal Treviño had sold LPD unofficial information to other news sources, but she only live streams her reporting on FB.
Villarreal Treviño on the contrary says, that police had been harassing her for at least four months because she reports the news as freedom of the press and speech. On a Facebook (FB) video that Villarreal Treviño posted on December 12, she exposed police corruption and apparently indicated that she had information about police officers engaging in sex and extramarital affairs. She vowed to make it public to her 83,617 FB followers who love the chisme (gossip), if she was taken into custody. Also, she explained that the LPD had launched an internal investigation involving a female police officer (Laredo Police Officer Barbara J. Goodman) who has been placed on administrative reassignment pending the outcome of an investigation, according to the LPD and is facing termination in connection with passing official information to Villarreal Treviño. Villarreal Treviño says, she has received accident reports by people who have come upon a police investigation scene and claimed that Officer Goodman is innocent and in no way has given her any official information.

Facebook users that follow the GordiLoca news reporting on FB have posted comments on her video posts that also alleged that the LPD is corrupt and should be investigated by the feds.

The LPD has had a history of corruption, a former police chief and officers have been convicted of criminal activity and corruption.

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Alba-Guerrero was allegedly speeding while under the influence of alcohol and driving northbound on southbound street lanes, which ended in a fatal crash when he struck a vehicle heading south on S. 27th Street killing a 27-year-old passenger and injuring a 37-year-old driver.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

December 13, 2017

Milwaukee, WI - On Thursday, Esteban Alba-Guerrero, 21, was charged with three felony counts for homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle (if convicted, facing up to 25 years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines), homicide by use of vehicle with PAC (facing up to 25 years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines) and injury by intoxicated use of a vehicle (facing up to 12 years and 6 months in prison and up to $25,000 in fines) for the December 3 wrongway crash at the 2700 block of S. 27th Street. Alba-Guerrero's cash bond was set at $75,000.

According to the police criminal complaint, Milwaukee Police responded to a fatal crash that happened around 5:55 a.m. on December 3 in the 2700 block of S. 27th Street. Alba-Guerreo was driving a 2005 Acura TL northbound in the southbound lanes of traffic at a high rate of speed. The Acura struck a 2013 Hyundai Elantra that was driven by a 37-year-old man. A passenger of the Hyundai, Rafael Rojas-Prado, 27, died at the scene. The driver of the Hyundai suffered serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital. Alba-Guerrero, the driver of the Acura was taken into custody and also hospitalized with serious injuries.
According to family members, Rojas-Prado received a Visa and was visiting his family in Milwaukee after he graduated from a university and received a degree in Engineering in Mexico. He was originally from Tres Valles, Veracruz, Mexico. His family is trying to raise funds to send Rojas-Prado's body back to Mexico for burial.

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Moore sent his supporters home to sleep after Jones was projected the winner for the U.S. Senate in Alabama.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

December 12, 2017

Montgomery, Alabama - On Tuesday, Doug Jones (D) was projected the winner for the U.S. Senate defeating Roy Moore (R). Jones made his victory speech and gave credit to a diverse voter turn out. According to the Washington Post exit polls, 92% of Black men, 97% of Black women, 23% of White men and 32% of White women voted for Jones. While 74% White men and 65% of White women including 7% of Black men and 3% of Black women voted for Moore.

Jones made history in Alabama and many GOP elected public officials campaigned against Moore who allegedly liked to date young teenage girls. Trump's endorsement didn't even help Moore.

Hintz, a Democrat requested for Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos to remove Democrat State Representative Josh Zepnick from committees without due process indicating how corrupt the leadership in the Democratic Party seemed to be in the State legislature.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

December 12, 2017

Madison, WI - State Representative Josh Zepnick (D-Milw.) has apparently been removed from serving in committees due to a request by Assembly Minority Leader Gordon Hintz (D-Oshkosh), according to Assembly Speaker Robin J. Vos (R-Rochester). Representative Hintz had requested for Vos to removed Rep. Zepnick from all the committees. Currently, Rep. Zepnick's home page in the State Assembly website shows no committee assignments.

Hintz apparently without due process is trying to pressure Zepnick to resign after allegations of inappropriate kissing and touching were made by two women who did not want to be identified. Zepnick has confirmed that the women have not confronted him and have not filed any complaints against him. Who are these women? In many cases of alleged sexual harassment and assault by public elected officials whether Democrat or Republican, female victims have come forward publicly and have faced the aggressor.

But, Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) has learned that Zepnick broke from the corrupt ranks of the Democratic Party and pressure was placed to get Zepnick to resign. Rep. Zepnick has confirmed that he will not resign and is expected to seek re-election as a card carrying Democrat.

Zepnick has opposed anti-immigrant legislation by the Republican controlled Assembly.

For the record, ...both Democrats and Republicans are running for cover in relation to sexual harrasment. At the State Assembly many Republicans knew about former State Assembly Majority Leader Bill Kramer (R-Waukesha) drunkness and inappropriate sexual behavior, who was convicted in 2014 for 4th-degree sexual assault and sentenced to five months in jail long before the "Diana Robertson" issue became public, yet the Republicans did nothing. At the federal level, sexual abuse by members of Congress has been known for a long time...Why hasn't the Republicans and Democrats done anything against sexual harrasment until now? Because both Democrats and Republicans, including Trump, the President are equally complicit and corrupt.

Rep. Josh Zepnick released the following statement on December 1st, "As a recovering alcoholic, I have confronted and apologized for many mistakes I made during my years of irresponsible drinking.
While I have no recollection of these alleged incidents, there is never an excuse for inappropriate behavior.
I take the claims seriously and respect the feelings of the women involved. I apologize to both women for my actions and for any distress that I may have caused.
My life is back on track and I've been sober for over 2 years. I will not be resigning and I will continue to work hard on behalf of my constituents."

Monday, December 11, 2017

Sewer and street repair company fired two employees, according to a letter sent to City of Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

December 11, 2017

Milwaukee, WI - On Monday, Dennis Biondich, the owner of American Sewer Services, Inc. (ASS) from Rubicon confirmed in a letter sent to Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett that several employees had been terminated after two incidents that cause public outrage for displaying a Confederate flag including a KKK decal at a city worksite at N. 25th Street and W. Wells and an earlier incident where three workers were open carrying handguns and one of them brandishing his handgun at N. 19th Street and W. Meinecke Ave. Biondich admitted that an employee displaying the KKK decal in his cooler was hate speech and the second employee who was brandishing a handgun including two others who had handguns were legally carrying a weapon at a worksite.

The City of Milwaukee has a zero tolerance for City employees and contractors from carrying any type of weapon while on the job for the City, according to the City's Firearms and Dangerous Weapons prohibition. Last week, during a Common Council Public Works hearing, Alderman Bob Donovan exposed that some City employees had told him that they do carry conceal weapons while on the job violating the prohibition policy.

Multiple unions and organizations gathered at City Hall on Monday to speak against an employee working for ASS that had displayed a Confederate flag and a KKK decal in his cooler. Jacob Flom, Chair for the Young Workers Committee stated, "No worker can be both a unionist and a fascist, White supremacists are the enemy of organized labor and the entire multinational working class. The KKK is a White supremacist terrorist group responsible for killing Afrcan-Americans, LBGTQ people, trade unionists and others. Unions stand for economic and social justice and we condemn and actively fight against White supremacy and fascism in the workplace and society."

"Symbols of hate and division have no place at the worksite. The KKK is an abhorrent organization that fosters hate and violence and it is shocking that someone would feel it is okay to display support for White supremacy on the job. Likewise, the Confederate flag is not the flag that represents liberty and justice for all," said Pam Fendt, President of the Milwaukee Area Labor Council.

Sunday, December 10, 2017

A male and female suspects are wanted in connection with several armed robberies in the Southside of Milwaukee.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

December 10, 2017

Milwaukee, WI - The Milwaukee Police Department released the following press release regarding a male and female suspects sought in connection with several armed robberies in the Southside and an incident at a Citgo gas station located at the 1300 block of W. Lincoln Ave. on Wednesday.

Milwaukee Police are asking for the public's help in identifying two suspects wanted in connection with a December 6 crime at the Citgo Gas Station, at S. 13th Street and W. Lincoln Avenue, around 6:00 a.m.

The victim, a 39-year-old woman, walked into the gas station, an altercation ensued, and the male suspect pointed a gun at the victim. The suspect, and his female accomplice, then fled the scene.Suspect #1 is described as a black male, between 30-40 years-old, 6'-6'2" tall, and 160-170 pounds with a thin build. He was last seen wearing a black skull cap type hat, a dark letterman-style jacket with light gray sleeves and a light gray hood, dark jeans, and black and red shoes.Suspect #2 is described as a black female, between 30-40 years-old, 5'7"-5'9" tall, and 200-210 pounds with a heavy build, and long black curly hair. She was last seen wearing a white and pink zip-up hooded sweatshirt with a black undershirt and black leggings. It appears she has a large tattoo on her upper chest area.Both suspects arrived in and entered what appeared to be a black, late 90's, Honda Civic. Surveillance video revealed there was no license plate affixed to the license plate holder. The front passenger's tire hubcap was also missing.The male suspect and the depicted vehicle closely matches two other violent crimes that occurred on the South Side. In addition to the pointing and aiming, the two suspects are persons of interest for the following crimes:

•Armed Robbery around 4:10 a.m. on December 6 in the 900 block of S. Cesar Chavez Drive

•Armed Robbery/Carjacking around 5:00 a.m. on December 6 in the 1200 block of S. 31st Street

The Milwaukee Common Council made it illegal to sell Legal Lean (synthetic pot) and Hy-Tech Syrup in the City of Milwaukee just one year and a half after the Original Black Panthers of Milwaukee began their campaign to stop the sale at local grocery and gas station stores.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

December 10, 2017

Milwaukee, WI - On Saturday, Darryl Farmer, the General for the Original Black Panthers of Milwaukee (OBPM) confirmed in his Facebook account, that "FOR THE LAST YEAR AND A HALF THE ORIGINAL BLACK PANTHERS OF MILWAUKEE HAVE VIRTUALLY RID THE MILWAUKEE COMMUNITY OF LEGAL LEAN AND HY-TECH SYRUP! THE COMMON COUNCIL MADE IT ILLEGAL TO SELL IN THE CITY!! IF THE KING IS WRONG, PROVE ME WRONG!! HMMMMMMMM.......The stores, gas stations and other businesses that sold legal lean (like synthetic pot) will tell you they stopped because of The Original Black Panthers of Milwaukee!!" The OBPM had put pressure on the Common Council to make Legal Lean illegal, but haven't yet been recognized for their efforts to help stop local grocery and gas station stores from selling it. The OBPM would visit the stores while video recording their visits and putting pressure on store operators to stop selling the synthetic pot to kids and the public. Although, Alderman Khalif J. Rainey has failed to acknowledge the OBPM efforts that helped stop the sale of Legal Lean, Farmer on the other hand is very outspoken about their success by taking credit with his group in helping to get rid of the synthetic pot in their community.

On Friday, Alderman Rainey from the 7th Aldermanic District released the following press release, A city news event hosted yesterday outlined the next steps in the city's legal proceedings involving the former Foodtown Mini Mart on Hopkins St., located in the 7th Aldermanic District.

The city took ownership of the location after shutting down the store as a public nuisance for selling a potentially deadly form of synthetic marijuana called K-2.
A similar synthetic drug scourge on city neighborhoods – a mood-enhancing, over-the-counter drink sometimes called "Legal Lean" that is targeted toward kids – is now illegal after legislation I sponsored was approved by the Common Council in June. These synthetic drugs prey on our youth and send them on a downward spiral of a life consumed by drug addiction.

According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, two substances commonly used in Legal Lean are kratom, also known as herbal speedball (it provides an opioid-like effect), and kava, also known as an intoxicating pepper (it provides users a feeling of sedation and muscle weakness).
My legislation (Council File #170238) makes it illegal to use, possess or sell those two herbal depressants in the City of Milwaukee. Our city is now following other large cities and nations in seeking to prevent products like Legal Lean from reaching kids. In fact, these herbs are considered controlled substances in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Malaysia, Singapore, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

Friday, December 8, 2017

Contractors hired by the City of Milwaukee don't get background checks before doing work for the City.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

December 8, 2017

Milwaukee, WI - It seems the City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works under Commissioner Ghassan Korban and the City Attorney's Office is lacking any background checks on contractors including their workers by not including contract clauses that prohibits any racist deemed decals and Confederate flags from being displayed by workers contracted during jobs for the City. According to a Facebook post by Sam Singleton-Freeman on Friday, it shows a street construction worker's cooler from a hired City contractor with openly displaying a Confederate flag and a Ku Klux Klan (KKK) decal on it in the sidewalk where some workers were doing some street work.

The contracted workers at the site on N. 25th Street and W. Wells in Milwaukee were asked by the person taking photos for which contractor they worked for and they refused to identity the company. Contractors for the City of Milwaukee should make sure their company names are displayed at work sites.
According to Urban Milwaukee, both Alderman Robert Bauman who represents the district where the cooler photo with the KkK decal was taken and Sandy Rusch Walton, spokesperson for the Department of Public Works have confirmed that the work site where a worker's cooler decorated with a Confederate flag and a KKK decal was discovered belong to American Sewer Services, Inc. (ASS). The owner of ASS is Dennis Biondich of Rubicon, Wisconsin, State corporation records show.

On Wednesday, the Common Council Public Works Committee held a hearing about three American Sewer Services, Inc. workers with open carry handguns at N. 19th Street and W. Meinecke Ave. and one of them displaying a handgun in his hand who was later fired, according to Commissioner Korban. A photo of the three workers with handguns was taken on November 30 and went viral in the social network.

The City of Milwaukee has a Firearms and Dangerous Weapons policy prohibiting City employees and contractors from carrying weapons while during City jobs. Alderman Bob Donovan, who is a member of the Public Works Committee during the hearing exposed that some City workers have told him that they do carry weapons on the job violating the policy.

Members of the Common Council will work on a resolution to make it clear that firearms will be prohibited from City work sites and maybe an added provision should be added to prohibit the display of racist decals like the KKK decal and Confederate flag, which is associated with the White supremacist and White nationalist movement including the KKK.

Editors note: A rally is planned to condemn the display of the KKK decal by a City contractor worker at a work site on N 25th Street and W. Wells and to also call on the City of Milwaukee to end all contracts with American Sewer Services, Inc. on Monday, December 11 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. The rally even is sponsored by the Young Workers Committee of the Milwaukee Area Labor Council, AFL-CIO, Coalition of Black Labor Unionists, the Milwaukee Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Justice Coalition, Citizen Action of Wisconsin and Young People's Resistance Committee including allies.

Milwaukee, WI - On Friday, Citizen Action of Wisconsin (CAW) delivered the first Radio-Active campaign co-op collective check for $5,000 in pledged purchases by its membership to Pete's Fruit Market-Bronzeville in Milwaukee. The CAW honorary check of $5K represents pledges that CAW members actually purchased in gift cards to shop at two Pete's Fruit Markets located at the 2300 block of N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and 1400 S. Union Street in Milwaukee's Soutside.

Kevin Kane from CAW presented the $5K in pledges to Pete's Fruit Market operators for their cooperation and support to advertise with WRRD 1510 Resistance Radio, which airs progressive views and discusses issues affecting the community at large and Wisconsin. The Radio-Active campaign is a way to show that the CAW membership supports those businesses that advertise in WRRD 1510 Resistance Radio.

CAW has more than 900 members and allied supporters in the State of Wisconsin.

Thursday, December 7, 2017

Peden was taken into custody on a charge for sexual assault of a female firefighter.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

December 7, 2017

Milwaukee, WI - On Thursday, Milwaukee Firefighter Michael Peden, 35, was charged with one felony count for 2nd-degree sexual assault with use of force in connection with a filed complaint by a female firefighter. The female firefighter alleged that Peden had sexaully assaulted (groped) her and made racial remarks. Peden's bail bond was set at $3,500 and if convicted, he is facing up to 40 years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines.

The Milwaukee Fire Department has an ongoing investigation and if Peden is found to have violate work rules and polices, he is facing discipline or termination.

Peden was taken into custody on December 3rd, according to court records. Peen is a heavy equipment operator with the fire department.

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

The suspects were busted in a tri-state operation after a four year federal investigation that resulted in charges for conspiracy to distribute heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, money laundering and bankruptcy fraud.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

December 6, 2017

Milwaukee, WI - On Wednesday, United States Attorney Gregory Haanstad announced in a press release that the following nineteen (19) defendants have been charged in federal court with offenses related to a conspiracy to distribute heroin, fentanyl and cocaine, as well as money laundering and bankruptcy fraud:

• Clifton Morrison, age 51

• Jose Rodriguez, age 67

• Miguel Rodriguez, age 68

• Samuel Flores-Morales, age 39

• Luis Nevarez, age 27

• Brenda Y. Valverde, age 29

• Ronnie McFadden, age 47

• Dewayne Alexander, Sr., age 48

• Frederick R. Perry, age 56

• David Wilder III, age 50

• Tommie Stevens, age 41

• Germaine D. Johnson, age 35

• Daniel S. Carter, age 43

• Don D. Walker-Cruse, age 41

• Ricky Christopher, age 49

• David D. Coleman, age 39

• Kellin R.L. Morrison, age 33

• Janine R. Hegwood, age 51

• Dewayne Alexander, Jr., age 24

The defendants currently reside in the greater Milwaukee area, Chicago, Illinois, and Burlington, Iowa. This case is a part of a long-term federal drug and money laundering investigation based out of Milwaukee.

The defendants are charged with various drug, money laundering and bankruptcy fraud offenses, including: distribution of and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and conspiracy. If proven that the offenses involved either more than one kilogram of heroin or five kilograms of cocaine, defendants charged with drug offenses will face up to life in prison, with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison.
Law enforcement officers arrested all of the above defendants on Wednesday. In addition to the arrests, law enforcement officers executed 17 federal search warrants in Wisconsin and Illinois and one state warrant in Iowa targeting members of this organization. Law enforcement recovered approximately 1.5 kilograms of cocaine and a half kilogram of heroin. Law enforcement also seized 21 guns (including 3 rifles), 8 vehicles and an undetermined amount of cash. Over 250 federal, state, and local officers participated in these arrests and search warrants.

The defendants were charged after a lengthy investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Justice - Division of Criminal Investigation, Wauwatosa Police Department, Greenfield Police Department, Waukesha County Sheriff's Department and Metro Drug Unit, Milwaukee Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, South East Iowa Drug Task Force and the Iowa State Patrol. In addition to the above law enforcement agencies the following agencies participated in today's arrests and search warrants: Milwaukee County Sheriff's Department, Oak Creek Police Department, Kenosha County Drug Unit, Racine County Drug Unit, West Allis Police Department, South Milwaukee Police Department, Lake County Illinois Sheriff's Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, United States Marshals Service, Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigation / Enforcement Removal Operations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Elizabeth M. Monfils and Gail J. Hoffman.

The City of Milwaukee has a Firearms and Dangerous Weapons prohibition policy for City employees and extended to contractors, but according to Alderman Donovan some City employees carry conceal handguns for their own safety on the job.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

December 6, 2017

Milwaukee, WI - On Wednesday, during the Common Council Public Works Committee hearing relating to a press communication by multiple aldermen/woman concerning a photo of three White concrete trench sewer repairing workers from American Sewer Services, Inc. (ASS) openly carrying handguns and one brandishing or displaying his handgun revealed that the workers were actually bragging and fooling around about them carrying handguns in a predominantly African-American neighborhood. According to Ghassan Korban, the Commissioner of Public Works (PW), the photo was taken on November 30 by a truck driver (Brian Oliver working for Sonag ready mix) from a ready mix concrete vendor delivery service that supplies the concrete for ASS. Apparently, Korban stated during the hearing that the ASS employees carry weapons as a standard procedure and Dennis Biondich, the owner of ASS wasn't aware of the City of Milwaukee Firearms and Dangerous Weapons prohibition policy and that the City Attorney's Office didn't incorporate a copy of the policy with the City contract. ASS has 11 contract jobs in Aldermanic Districts 11 and 13 districts worth $1.4M, which the last two contracted jobs are almost completed.

Most of the ASS employees have been laid-off for the season, the employee who had his gun drawn won't be expected to return for work (was fired) and the two other employees in the photo could return for work, but it is not for certain, according to Korban.

It seems, the City Attorney's Office failed to include the firearms prohibition in the contracts for City contractors and Kathryn Block, the Assistant City Attorney at the hearing says that the firearms prohibition for contractors was not clear and doesn't have any clause for "consequences in regards to contracts", if a violation occurs or in enforcing the policy by ending a contract.

Korban testified that Biondich had notified him, that he send out a notice prohibiting all his ASS employees from carrying handguns at City of Milwaukee job sites. The Public Works Committee members told PW Commissioner Korban to send the photo and information gathered concerning the ASS workers with handguns to the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office for review and to determine, if the ASS workers violated any law, Also, that Korban should request for the Milwaukee Police Department to investigate the incident and possible citations be issued.

Alderman Robert "Bob" Donovan during the hearing exposed that some Milwaukee City employees have told him that they do carry conceal handguns while on the job, violating the City of Milwaukee Firearms and Dangerous Weapons prohibition policy.

Ald. Donovan cited a report by Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn dated October 12 that since the beginning of January, 8 homicides and 137 non-fatal gunshot injuries were reported near or in the area of N. 19th Street and W. Meinecke Ave., but Alderman Russell W. Stamper responded that the crime report was not the issue and if the ASS workers knew of the crime statistics. The armed ASS workers were working on Ald. Stamper's district.

Ald. Donovan also said, that people were reluctant to come to Milwaukee for work due to fear of the high crime and issue of public safety, Ald. Stamper responded, that those people should seek employment elsewhere, if they have so much fear of working in Milwaukee.

Ald. Robert Bauman made the recommendation to stop hiring outside contractors and have City workers specialize on doing the needed work to have better control of policies and work done in the City.

Alderwoman Milele A. Goggs said that the N. 19 and W. Meinecke area was a nice area and development has been flourishing and she would like for contractors from the African-American community to be awarded contracts from the City to do the work needed in the predominantly African-American neighborhoods.

The PW Committee agreed to work with fellow aldermen/women to create a resolution that would clarify that contractors and their employees are prohibited from wearing or carrying firearms and dangerous weapons while doing City work and would also include that alderman from a district where a contractor is doing a job can decide to prevent a certain contractor from doing work in his or her district.

According to the WDWD, the Wisconsin Fast Forward Program announces a $500,000 request for proposals for teacher recruitment, training and placement in urban or low-income school districts. The WDWD, through its Procurement Unit (Procurement), requests proposals to establish a contract for teacher training and recruitment. Up to $500,000 is available to recruit and prepare individuals to teach in low-income or urban school districts. One grant will be awarded to a 501(c)(3) or (4) non-profit as defined by the IRS.

Governor Walker during his re-election cycle is attempting to fool moderate and independent voters by trying to appear that he is pro-education, when in fact Walker provided $2B in tax cuts for the wealthy, cut the public education budget by $1.2B in his first state budget and enacted Act 10, which busted state employee unions and affected teachers unions around the state.

Latino employers and employees will now have bilingual workplace safety training available at no cost to them, according to Acción Ciudadana de Wisconsin.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

December 5, 2017

Milwaukee, WI - Acción Ciudadana de Wisconsin (ACW - Citizen Action of Wisconsin) has announced that federal funding has been awarded to help provide bilingual workplace safety training for Latino employers and employees in Milwaukee and Wisconsin. ACW received $155,000 in federal grants, $55K for WisCOSH and $100K for Citizen Action of Wisconsin (CAW) to fund the work safety project, which includes the cost of materials and reaching out to the community.

Luz Sosa, the Community Organizer for ACW told Hispanic News Network U.S.A. that ACW will have an open gathering on December 13 at Candela's Banquet and Conference Facility at 2537 W. National Ave. at 6:00 p.m. to officially announce the workplace training project and to provide an opportunity for Latino employers to register for the training and schedule a date for employees to get the training for work related safety.

Citizen Action of Wisconsin is an issue focused coalition of individuals and organizations committed to achieving social, economic, and environmental justice, according to their website. ACW is the Latino affiliate (caucus) of CAW.

Monday, December 4, 2017

Armed men with handguns doing concrete street repairs near a public school work for American Sewer Services, Inc., according to Poblocki Paving Corporation.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

December 4, 2017

Milwaukee, WI - On Monday, the Poblocki Paving Corporation confirmed that the three men shown doing some concrete street repair in a undated photo that was posted on Facebook while armed with handguns including one who had his handgun drawn actually work for American Sewer Services, Inc. and not for Poblocki. One of the men in the photo is wearing a Poblocki Paving vest.

American Sewer Services, Inc. (ASS), N2768 County Road P in Rubicon, Wisconsin is owned by Dennis Biondich. The company makes more than $3M a year and has about 20 employees. ASS was contracted by the City of Milwaukee to do some sewer repair near the Phillis Wheatley Public School at N. 19th Street and W. Meinecke Ave. when employees were spotted with open carry handguns including one of them who had his handgun drawn.

The City of Milwaukee Firearms and Dangerous Weapons policy prohibits general workers and contractors from wearing or having weapons at a worksite while doing work for the City regardless, if a worker has a valid conceal carry permit. The workers were within the 1,000 feet from a public school, which is prohibited, especially when a handgun is drawn without justification.

Wisconsin State Senator Lena C. Taylor (D-Milw.) released the following statement in her Facebook account, "I confirmed 4 things about the law today.

1) If they were Open carrying - they can’t be w/in school zone and it is a violation of the law BUT is NOT a crime to violate the law it is ONLY a forfeiture up to $1,000.

2) If they had a CCW permit then they CAN be in school zone;

3) Regardless it is still in violation of the city’s policy and can be grounds to terminate the contract if the city pursues it.

4) The contractor could request an opportunity to cure the contract depending on what the contract says.

To cure they could honor the request by letting the workers not work on any city contracts.

Three Members of the Milwaukee Common Council became outraged and released statements about the Facebook photo showing an employee of a subcontractor hired by a company (American Sewer Services. Inc.) working for the Department of Public Works openly brandishing a handgun next to two coworkers open carrying holstered handguns, at a worksite near N. 19th and W. Meinecke Streets.

Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II, in whose 15th District the photo was taken, said he is shocked and angered by the image. “Behavior as dangerous and disrespectful as this is appalling and has no place in any neighborhood and by any city contractor, subcontractor or representative,” he said.
“If this is a real, untouched photo I would like this individual and that crew removed immediately from the site and barred from any future city projects,” said Alderman Stamper, chair of the Common Council’s Community and Economic Development Committee.
“I will be working with my colleagues on possible legislative measures to make sure this type of behavior will not happen again on any future city projects,” Alderman Stamper said.
Common Council President Ashanti Hamilton said he has been told the owner of the contracting company has been summoned to meet tomorrow (Tuesday, December 5) with DPW Commissioner Ghassan Korban. “I will be immediately following up with Commissioner Korban to see what was discussed and to determine future worksite requirements and supervision with this contractor,” he said.
Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, chair of the Finance and Personnel Committee, said the photo reflects poorly on the subcontractor and is now being shared widely on social media.

“The behavior exposed in this photo is something we do not tolerate or dismiss or condone in any way with individuals who work with or for the city,” she said.

“I and other members of the Council appreciate it when the public steps up and shares information about city projects and city work in general that we may not be aware of,” Alderwoman Coggs said.
“This is a prime example of public input and information-sharing that can help us do our work more effectively and that could actually lead to important changes in city policy,” she said.

Update: One of the American Sewer Services, Inc. workers who had his weapon in his hand in a photo has been fired and two other workers who had open carry handguns while concrete paving a City of Milwaukee street are facing discipline.

Sunday, December 3, 2017

Concrete street paving workers open carry handguns, one is wearing a Poblocki Paving vest and another one is seen brandishing his handgun near public school.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

December 3, 2017

Milwaukee, WI - On Saturday, a photo posted on Facebook showing at least three street paving White workers, one wearing a Poblocki Paving vest with open carry handguns including one of the workers who can be seen holding his handgun out near the Phillis Wheatley Public School at N. 19th Street and W. Meinecke Ave. has been circulating on the social network. The photos were posted by Zuniga Jesse, Van L. Mayes, Earl Ingram Jr. and Tory Lowe, but no date was provided when the photo was actually taken and where it originated.

The City of Milwaukee contracts companies to do some street paving in the Northside where the predominantly African-American community resides and it is not clear, if city officials allowed the contracted workers to open carry while doing city work. In the State of Wisconsin, people can open carry legally, but state law prohibits handguns or firearms to be carry with 1,000 feet from school grounds and inside school property.

So, far city officials and Milwaukee police have not made released and comments about why the workers were open carrying and one worker had his handgun out near a public school while paving a city street.

Poblocki Paving posted the following statement in their Facebook account, "They are not wearing Poblocki Paving Uniforms. One happens to have on a vest that has our name on it None of our employees are allowed to wear bluejeans and all are required to wear vests anytime they are working. These are not our guys."
The unanswered questions remain, who were they, who authorized them to wear Poblocki Paving vests, why did one of them take his gun out, was he facing a life threat, did City of Milwaukee officials know when contracted these workers that they would carrying firearms on the job and would the City be liable, if a shooting occurs, does OSHA allow workers to wear handguns while working in these type of jobs as a safety measure and do they open carry in none African-American neigborhoods?
According to the City of Milwaukee firearms and dangerous weapons policy revised date February 27, 2012, it has zero tolerance for firearms in the work place, which firearms are prohibited and applies to all general workers and contractors.

About Me

"Words conveyed by wisdom and truth influence inevitable change, Las palabras que contienen sabiduria y verdad influyen inevitablemente al cambio", H. Nelson Goodson said.
Goodson is well known in the local organizing community network. Nationally, Goodson is one of the foremost respected immigration rights and reform journalist.
He is also one of America's foremost Latino civil libertarian.
The Badger Blogger 2008, Patrick wrote: Mr. H. Nelson Goodson, "You have covered things that the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel newspaper won't and you cover it in a way they fear." Posted on Badger Blogger on August 17th, 2007 at 6:39 p.m.
Goodson was instrumental in helping to coordinate the national Immigration movement early in 2006, which drew millions of supporters for immigration rights and reform. Goodson further encouraged numerous members of the Latino entertainment world to endorse and support immigration reform throughout the nation in 2006, published in "El Conquistador Newspaper" issue on November 21, 2008 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.A.
Currently, Goodson has more than 32 years experience in news investigative reporting. (2015)

Immigration March 2007

Goodson marched with immigrants calling for a just comprehensive immigration reform, which would create a path for legalization for more than 13 million undocumented immigrants and to keep families together.